10.54°C Vancouver

Nov 11, 2020 12:23 AM -

Celebrate Diwali safely this year: Doug McCallum

Share On

On behalf of City Council, I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe Diwali this year.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a much-loved cultural tradition in Surrey that promotes the message of unity, warmth and joy.

Like all big celebrations, Diwali is traditionally a time for family and friends to come together to enjoy food and each other’s company.

This year, however, celebrations must be approached differently.

With the recent sharp rise of new COVID-19 cases in Metro Vancouver a new Provincial Health Order was issued this past weekend and it is vital that Diwali celebrations comply with the new order.

If we all do our part, we can rein in the spread of the virus and bring the curve back down.

That is why it is more important than ever that this year’s celebrations are kept only to your immediate household as mandated by the Provincial Health Order.

That means no social gatherings, whether they be indoors or outdoors, of any size beyond your immediate household.

I am proud of how the vast majority of our community have taken the COVID public health protocols to heart.

We must all continue to take personal responsibility to limit the spread of this virus so we can better our odds of getting back to the way of life we all want sooner rather than later.

Make no mistake about it, the actions we take now will have a long-term impact in our fight against COVID.

So do your part and keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe by fully observing the new Provincial Health Order that has been put in place between now and November 23.

Latest news

aap-removes-raghav-chadha-as-rajya-sabha-deputy-leader-appoints-ashok-mittal
IndiaApr 02, 2026

AAP removes Raghav Chadha as Rajya Sabha deputy leader, appoints Ashok Mittal

The Aam Aadmi Party has removed Raghav Chadha from the post of deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and appointed Ashok Mittal as his replacement, according to a party communication to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. The decision marks a change in the party’s parliamentary leadership in the upper house. According to the communication, Mittal, a member of Parliament from Punjab, will take over the deputy leadership role with immediate effect. The party also instructed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat that Chadha should no longer be allotted speaking time in the House, according to the same communication.
surrey-police-seek-witnesses-after-hit-and-run-leaves-pedestrian-critically-injured
BCApr 02, 2026

Surrey police seek witnesses after hit-and-run leaves pedestrian critically injured

Surrey Police Service is asking for the public’s help to identify witnesses to a late-night hit-and-run that left one pedestrian with life-threatening injuries. According to a Surrey Police Service news release, a vehicle struck two pedestrians at about 11:24 p.m. on March 5 near the intersection of 88 Avenue and Nordel Way. An adult man was taken to hospital in critical condition. The second pedestrian’s condition has not been detailed. Police say that after further investigation, it appears several bystanders witnessed the collision and assisted the victims before first responders arrive
alberta-introduces-bill-26-to-tighten-oversight-of-foreign-worker-recruitment
AlbertaApr 02, 2026

Alberta introduces Bill 26 to tighten oversight of foreign worker recruitment

The Alberta government has introduced Bill 26, the Immigration Oversight Act, aimed at increasing transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers across the province. According to a provincial government announcement, the proposed legislation would require all businesses to register with the province before hiring employees through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The measure is intended to strengthen oversight and ensure employers follow provincial rules when bringing in workers from abroad. The bill also proposes a new licensing system for immigration consultants and recruitment agen
AlbertaApr 02, 2026

RCMP say highway shooting that killed international student not racially motivated, second suspect charged

Alberta RCMP say the fatal highway shooting of a 22-year-old international student from India was not motivated by race, as investigators confirm a second person has been charged in the case. Sgt. John Brown told a news conference Wednesday that the March 14 shooting near Leduc, south of Edmonton, does not appear to be linked to hate, road rage or a gang initiation. Birinder Singh was travelling with two friends toward the Rocky Mountains when a pickup truck driving alongside them made a hand gesture before shots were fired, according to RCMP. Police say a bullet struck Singh in the neck. One
AlbertaApr 02, 2026

Calgary signals end to water restrictions as feeder main repairs completed

Officials in Calgary say the city is on track to lift temporary water restrictions Thursday following the completion of repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which ruptured in December. According to a City of Calgary update, pumps connected to the feeder main have been turned on and the system is now operational. Restrictions remain in place for now while crews monitor the pipe and overall water system to confirm stability. The city said if monitoring proceeds as expected, residents will no longer be asked to limit household water use, including shortening showers and reducing laundry, di

Related News